The number of new car sales in Laois rose by 4.5% in April of this year compared to the same month in 2023, according to figures released by the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
A total of 94 new cars were recorded as sold here in April compared to the 90 sold 12 months ago.
That 4.5% increase in Laois is in contrast to the 4% decrease seen nationally.
There were a total of 8,572 new cars sold in Ireland in April 2024, down slightly from 8,912 sold in the same month last year.
The figure for April is the third time this year that has seen an increase on the 2023 figure, with only March seeing a decrease in sales year on year.
Nationally, the 4% decrease is the first time since Covid that there has been a decline in car sales across Ireland.
Diesel continues to be the most popular cars sold in Laois, followed closely by petrol.
As in recent months, the inverse is true nationally, where petrol continues to be the most popular cars sold followed by diesel.
Petrol Electric Hybrids continue to see the biggest percentage rise in Laois, up almost 64% from 2023, as they are proving hugely popular in the County.
The increase has not been as significant nationally, but there was still an increase, with 8% more Petrol Electric Hybrids sold in April 2024 than the same month last year.
There has been a remarkable decline in popularity for Diesel Electric Hybrids, with a national decrease of almost 60%, while not a single one was sold in Laois last month, compared to nine in April 2023.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke was not overly concerned about the April decline in national sales, and addressed the dramatic decrease in Electric Vehicles (EVs).
“Despite the softening in demand for new cars in recent weeks, year to date new car sales remain 6% ahead of 2023,” he said.
“The Electric Vehicle segment experienced another month of decline in registrations, a trend which is being replicated across most EU markets.
“With the supply of new EVs no longer an issue, and with an increasing number of brands and models present in the EV segment, the drop in EV sales is demand driven.
“In Ireland private consumers have been the key drivers of the EV market, and these buyers need greater re-assurances to be convinced to make the change.
“This means rapid investment by the Government in a reliable, convenient, and affordable electric charging infrastructure, while at the same time extending current incentives such as the purchase grant.
“For businesses and their employees, extension of the Benefit-In Kind (BIK) relief and thresholds at current levels beyond 2024, will create greater confidence that an EV is the right choice for their companies.”
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